My warmest greetings to the City of Davao as you celebrate this year’s Kadayawan Festival.

The Kadayawan Festival has come to define the identity and vibrance of the City of Davao. It’s a festival that showcases the city’s natural wealth, thriving economy, and vision of a more progressive and equitable society. It also reflects the spirit of the Davaoeños.

Davao City is known not just for being one of the major cities in the country, but also for celebrating the cultural diversity of its population. It has taken pride in the contributions of the different indigenous tribes to its development and has consistently promoted inclusivity in all development endeavors.

The recognition that it gives to the eleven tribes of Lumad and Moro that call the city their home is laudable and worthy of emulation. It has been crucial in fostering harmony and understanding among its people and in making Davao City the vibrant and progressive place it is today.

We in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) look up to the City of Davao for inspiration as we work hard to address the complex network of issues on peace and development. May your city continue to prosper and to be an example for other cities and local government units in the country.